The three-horned horse disappeared with a flash, leaving Rosalind gasping and vulnerable. The sudden severing of the beast connection sent a shock through her system.
"Rosalind, fall back!" Hector ordered, nearly dragging her to the edge of the arena.
The minotaur charged again, its horns striking with renewed force. Several new cracks appeared on the Stone Lurker's surface, but none deep enough to cause real damage.
Each impact sent stone fragments flying, but the monster's integrity remained largely intact.
"They should change their strategy," Ren murmured. "Winning through frontal attacks would take nearly five times the energy they've spent so far... But they don't even have half that remaining."
Yet the team persevered with their original approach. Vern sent his centaur to execute quick charges, striking and retreating before the monster could respond. The beast's hooves striking against the stone made strong thuds travel through the arena.
